Probably many of you, our present members, wonder how this organization of ours began. As a contribution to the celebration of our 20^th year, we would like to recount the series of events which solidified the Greencastle Area Arts Council as an integral part of the Greencastle-Antrim community.

It all began with an invitation from the late William “Bill” Conrad, chairman of the Greencastle Bicentennial committee, in 1982. We were invited as arts professionals (art teacher and art therapist) to join in the planning of Bicentennial events. One of the events was a picnic and musicale on the front lawn of the Tayamentasachta farmhouse. An old-time string band and a German “oompah” band performed. After the end of the Bicentennial we decided to build on the momentum and take steps toward establishing a permanent community arts organization.

A good friend of ours, former Greencastle resident Karen Pollock, worked for the PA Council on the Arts in Harrisburg. In early 1983 we asked her to join us in a brainstorming session held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, with 25 invited guests. Out of this meeting the GAAC was born, and a six-member steering committee was formed to develop a constitution, bylaws and a vision for the future.

Our first official programs were presented in the summer of 1984. A drawing class taught by Carolyn Baker was held at the old train station, and a sidewalk art show was presented.

In November of 1985 the GAAC was incorporated, with the help of attorney David Dickey. Signers of the document, named as Trustees were: Ed Stanley, John Angle, Suzanne and John Gamble, Sylvia Bonebrake, Nan Shutt, Richard Lutzke, Peggie Potts and Frank Bock.

We applied for a $500 grant from the PA Council in 1988, and soon received $1000 in “start-up” funds for projects and programs. The final step was receiving Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 1993.

Through the years our organization has grown and developed with the help of many wonderful and creative people. We have presented such things as: painting and drawing classes, bus tour to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water, classical and jazz concerts, artists-in-residence, spring galas for members, art and photography exhibits, performing artists in the schools, poetry readings, annual scholarships for graduating seniors, Totem Pole theater nights, and much more. We are all proud of our 20-year history of “Planting the Seeds for Cultural Growth” in our community.

We want to thank the following members of our present Board: Pat Beard, president; Michelle Mathers, secretary; Ken Shockey, treasurer; and Bonnie Shockey, out-going secretary; Ed Beard; Doug Hodges; Eric Plum and of course ourselves! We also thank all of you, our members, for your continuing support. We invite you to become actively involved in 2003 by volunteering to help with events, joining a committee, or suggesting new ideas for programs.